Assessing the impact of health information systems on timeliness of medical claim submission in Ghana: a multi-center quasi-experimental study

Introduction: The increasing advancement in Information and Communication Technology (ICT) has led to the adoption of Health Information Systems (HIS) in healthcare settings to enhance service delivery. This study evaluated the effect of HIS implementation on the timeliness of medical claims submission within the National Catholic Health Service (NCHS) in Ghana. Methods: Using longitudinal data from 2010 to 2019, the study compared monthly claims submission times across facilities using both paper-based and electronic HIS. The number of days taken to submit claims each month was analyzed using a segmented Interrupted Time-Series approach, employing the Prais–Winsten method. This allowed comparison of claim submission times before and after HIS adoption. A meta-analysis was conducted to determine the overall impact across facilities.Results: Facilities using HIS submitted claims significantly faster than those using paper-based systems, with average submission times of 35.11 days versus 56.51 days, respectively (p < 0.0001). HIS implementation led to an immediate 5.84-day reduction in average submission time. Findings showed that over 75% of the facilities achieved timely submission of claims. Conclusion: In conclusion, HIS significantly improves the timeliness of medical claims submission. Scaling up HIS use for claims processing can enhance efficiency and promote prompt reimbursements from health insurers.